US Pledges “Maximum Pressure” on Iran to Prevent Nuclear Threat

TDT | Manama

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged on Monday to maintain “maximum pressure” on Iran to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons, following a June conflict in which both the United States and Israel targeted Iranian nuclear sites.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rubio described the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran led by a radical Shiite cleric as “an unacceptable risk, not just for Israel, not just for the United States, but for the world.”

“That is why the President continues his campaign of maximum pressure,” Rubio said, referring to President Donald Trump. “There will continue to be maximum economic pressure on Iran until they change course.”

Netanyahu, who has repeatedly warned of the Iranian threat, recalled the June conflict during which Israel struck both nuclear and conventional military targets, reportedly killing Iranian nuclear scientists.

“The decision by President Trump to target Iran’s nuclear facilities was not only militarily wise,” Netanyahu said. “It was also a message to the entire world that the United States acts to defend its interests and protect its allies, and America has no better ally than Israel.”

Iranian officials, who maintain that their nuclear program is peaceful, reported that more than 1,000 people were killed during the 12-day conflict. Meanwhile, Iranian drone and missile attacks killed at least 28 people in Israel, according to official figures.

The situation underscores ongoing tensions in the region, as the US and Israel continue to monitor Iran’s nuclear capabilities closely.